RMG workers need training to exploit new technologies: IBC

The use of technology is constantly increasing in various industrial sectors of the country. Garment industry is also constantly incorporating new technologies. For this, garment workers should be trained and skilled in the use of technology.

On the occasion of the Great May Day, the speakers said these things in a dialogue entitled ‘Garment industry's use of technology is a threat to workers or opening new doors of opportunity, on April 30, at Nasrul Hamid Auditorium of Dhaka Reporters Unity

Figure: RMG workers need training to exploit new technologies: IBC.

The dialogue was organized by the Industrial Bangladesh Council (IBC) where the keynote was presented by Mahmudul Hasan Khan, Deputy Director of Program Branch of Bangladesh Labor Foundation.

He said, earlier, 150 to 200 workers were required in the cutting section of the ready-made garment sector, but now 60-70 workers are working using automatic cutting machines. Technologies like 3-D printing have reduced the number of workers required for pattern design from 10-12 to 1-2. Using automatic technology in spreading, 2 to 3 people are doing the work of 10 to 12 people.

He also mentioned that the garment industry is currently going through various hurdles including political unrest, inflation, changes in brand-buyer behavior, minimum wages, high production costs, factory safety issues and environmental hazards, shortage of skilled workers, climate change and overheating, lack of clothing variety, inadequacy of own raw material industries and the labor laws amendments.

ZM Kamrul Anam, Senior Vice-President of the organisation, presided over the dialogue said, the use of technology has already started in the garment industry. Workers in this sector need training to use technology appropriately. For this, along with government initiatives, trade unions should also play a role. We should also take care that workers are not fired due to technology.

Shahidullah Badal, General Secretary of IBC moderated the dialogue. Vice President Mir Abul Kalam Azad, Finance Secretary Kabir Hossain and Executive Member Freedom Fighter Qutub Uddin Ahmed were also present at this time.